In the woods of the great San Juan National Forest, stands this wintry thistle.

Shimmering in the late morning sun, these ice crystals make a dried up thistle look grande.

Taos, NM

I can see why the thistle is the national flower of Scotland.  It has a mesmerizing charm.

Mt. Evans Wilderness, CO

On one of the saddles approaching the top of Mt. Rosalie, this crazy plant captured my imagination.